Panthers sign Huberdeau to six-year, $35.4 million extension

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Jonathan Huberdeau's agent confirms that the Florida Panthers have signed the forward to a $35.4 million, six-year contract extension. Agent

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Jonathan Huberdeau's agent confirms that the Florida Panthers have signed the forward to a $35.4 million, six-year contract extension.

Agent Allan Walsh confirmed the deal Tuesday in a message to The Associated Press. Sportsnet in Canada first reported the contract.

Huberdeau's six-year deal goes into effect for the 2017-18 NHL season and has a salary-cap hit of $5.9 million.

Aaron Ekblad ready to step into leadership role for Panthers

The 23-year-old from Saint-Jerome, Quebec, has 58 goals and 114 assists for 172 points in 272 games. He had a career-high 20 goals and 59 points last season.

Huberdeau, signed through the 2022-23 season, is the latest player to sign long term with the Panthers. Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is signed through 2025, defenseman Keith Yandle through 2023 and center Aleksander Barkov, forward Vincent Trocheck and winger Reilly Smith through 2022.